The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is Australia's national transport safety investigator. The ATSB's function is to improve safety and public confidence in the aviation, marine and rail modes of transport. The ATSB is Australia's prime agency for the independent investigation of civil aviation, rail and maritime accidents, incidents and safety deficiencies.

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Chapter closes on the ATSB-led search for MH370

The ATSB has released its report on the Australian-led search in the southern Indian Ocean for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.

The report, The Operational Search for MH370 records the search for MH370 and Australia’s work on the underwater search, including the ways in which the search area was identified, and how the search was conducted.

The Chief Commissioner of the ATSB, Greg Hood, said that the report demonstrated the extraordinary endeavours of people from around the world.

“This was an unprecedented endeavour and there has been an extraordinary response from the global community,” said Mr Hood. “There were contributions of expertise and resources from private business and organisations, agencies from different Governments, and from private individuals.”

While the resting place of the aircraft has not yet been located, the search was conducted consistent with the highest of standards of safety and professionalism, to the credit of everyone involved.

“The search inspired dedication from so many,” said Mr Hood. “I am proud to have worked with people of such commitment.”

The ATSB’s report was accompanied by the release of the CSIRO’s final MH370 research report. The search for MH370 and ocean surface drift – Part IV confirms the effectiveness of the March-April 2014 surface search in key areas.

“Our deepest sympathies remain with those who lost loved ones on MH370,” said Mr Hood. “It remains a great tragedy, and we wish that we could have brought complete closure to the bereaved. I hope, however, that they can take some solace in the fact that we did all we could do to find answers. Governments from around the world contributed to the search, with extraordinary expertise committed to the task.''